A DAD who jetted out to Spain to join his son for a family holiday was met at the airport with the tragic news the 18-year-old had been killed in a car crash.

Stefan Saleh was on the Costa Blanca enjoying a holiday with his mother Carol, who lives there, when he was hit by an off-duty police officer as he crossed an unlit street.

Stefan lived with his dad Phil Welsh on Leamington Road, Winton, the same road where tragic mum Paula Hardman lived before she too was killed after being hit by a car.

Phil had taken off from Manchester Airport excited to be meeting up with his son, but was taken straight from the airport to Alicante University Hospital to join Stefan's mother by his bedside. However, their son had already died.

Through his tears Phil, 45, said the family were inconsolable with grief.

He said: "I was picked up from the airport and taken to the hospital where he was on life support with critical injuries, but they told me he was technically dead by then.

"To be told that when you arrive at the airport is the worst news you can possibly hear."

Phil has returned home and Stefan's mother will soon follow as preparations are made for Stefan's body to be flown back for his funeral.

Phil said: "The red tape to get him released is a nightmare but we want to get him home as soon as possible."

The family have decided to donate Stefan's organs so someone else might live and some good can come from the tragedy.

No one knew what had happened to Stefan, who went out with a group of friends on the Thursday night, but never came home.

After checking with police and hospitals, Stefan's mother Carol Saleh discovered he had been taken to Alicante University Hospital.

An off-duty garda was driving home along an unlit road and, despite trying to swerve and avoid Stefan, hit the teenager.

He gave first aid until the paramedics arrived, but the family have been told that the area is an accident black spot.

Stefan had just finished a training course with the Prince's Trust and was looking forward to finding a job.

His dad described his son as a fun-loving caring lad with his whole future ahead of him.

"He enjoyed his music, and films, and going out with his mates. He especially loved following Manchester United.

"He was very protective of his friends, always looking after them, and he loved his family, there is nothing he wouldn't have done for us. He had three brothers and a sister who are all inconsolable, we all are. We just hope he is watching over us and knows how much we love him," said Phil.